Volume One: A Beauty’s Bane Chapter 26: The Labyrinth of Bewilderment

"Ladies and gentlemen! We shall now present the final treasure of this auction—a Three-Seal Spirit Array Diagram!"

"This spirit array is known as the Soul-Bewildering Array. It is a mysterious three-seal auxiliary array; while it possesses no lethality, it can easily entrap the human heart."

On the high auction stage, Qin Yumei spoke with infectious enthusiasm as she unveiled the final lot.

"A Soul-Bewildering Array? I never expected to see a three-seal spirit array in this tiny Yongan City," Jiang Hao mused, feeling a sense of surprise.

As a prince of the Yanyang Kingdom, the hegemon of the Central Plains, Jiang Hao was well aware of the unique utility of spirit arrays. Spirit arrays, also known as spiritual formations, were creations where a Spirit Array Master combined their own spiritual energy with the natural forces of heaven and earth to produce powerful defensive, offensive, or auxiliary effects.

Depending on their power, spirit arrays are classified from one to nine seals.

Different arrays possess unique functions and effects. Defensive arrays create sturdy barriers to block external attacks; offensive arrays release destructive force to crush enemies; and auxiliary arrays assist cultivators by enhancing their spiritual energy or boosting various abilities.

As for spirit array diagrams, they are the blueprints that record the steps for constructing these arrays. Each one is a unique and precious treasure. To successfully construct an array, one must first channel spiritual energy to condense spirit seals, then connect these seals according to the steps recorded in the diagram to form a complete array.

"A three-seal spirit array can be considered the peak of entry-level arrays!"

"Indeed! It is said that a three-seal offensive array has the power to rival a full-force strike from a peak-stage Spirit Sea Realm cultivator!"

"So powerful? It is truly worthy of being the grand finale of this auction."

"However, I have heard that cultivating spirit arrays is even more difficult than alchemy."

"If that is the case, isn't the profession of a Spirit Array Master even more prestigious than that of an alchemist?"

"That goes without saying! It is rumored that those master-level spirit array practitioners can often take on ten or even a hundred foes single-handedly!"

As Qin Yumei announced the name of the final treasure, the auction hall erupted into a frenzy! Like alchemy, the profession of a Spirit Array Master is rare. The extraordinary power displayed by the arrays they command makes every Spirit Array Master a highly sought-after talent by all factions. Spirit Array Masters are ranked from one to nine seals based on the level of arrays they can construct.

Observing the rowdy crowd, Qin Yumei offered a charming smile and continued, "It is said that once a cultivator steps into the Soul-Bewildering Array, they are as if plunged into a dream. Illusions multiply, clouding the mind and trapping the victim in endless confusion."

"The air within the array swirls with a strange, intangible charm that tugs at the soul, leaving one dazed and unable to break free. Every inch of space exudes a treacherous allure, causing intruders to lose their way within the endless phantoms, unable to escape."

"This array can easily trap cultivators below the Spirit Pill Realm for anywhere from half an hour to several hours. Even a Spirit Pill Realm cultivator would struggle to escape its entanglement! While it might only hold them for a short time, in the face of crisis, even a brief moment can significantly increase one's chances of survival."

"This spirit array is, quite literally, a life-saving charm!"

"I declare the starting bid for this Soul-Bewildering Array diagram to be two hundred thousand silver coins!"

After laying out such a compelling case, Qin Yumei finally announced the starting price for the final treasure.

"A spirit array capable of trapping a Spirit Pill Realm cultivator, even if only for a short time." As Jiang Hao pondered, his peripheral vision drifted toward the middle-aged man beside Murong Hai.

"It is indeed a fine trump card for survival. It seems I must make this diagram my own," Jiang Hao decided.

Among spirit arrays, the one-to-three-seal variants are the most fundamental, usually composed of simple spirit seals. Their functions are relatively singular, primarily serving basic offensive, defensive, or auxiliary purposes. These arrays can often be deployed by a single person, which perfectly suited Jiang Hao's current situation.

"I bid two hundred twenty thousand!"

"I'll add fifty thousand!"

"I'll add one hundred thousand!"

...

While Jiang Hao weighed his options, the auction hall was already filled with clamorous bids. After all, thanks to Qin Yumei’s flowery rhetoric, this three-seal spirit array diagram had become, in the eyes of the crowd, a legendary item capable of trapping a Spirit Pill Realm powerhouse.

"Uncle Han, does this Soul-Bewildering Array really have such power?" Murong Hai turned to ask the middle-aged man beside him, clearly skeptical of Qin Yumei’s claims.

The middle-aged man nodded and replied solemnly, "Reporting to Your Highness, if this array can be successfully deployed, its power is indeed as Qin Yumei described. It is not to be underestimated."

"Oh? I never expected a spirit array diagram, which is rare even in the Imperial City, to appear in this tiny Yongan City. Yumei is truly a genius at business. I wonder where she got her hands on this," Murong Hai curled his lips into a sinister smile.

Just as Murong Hai prepared to participate in the bidding, a familiar voice rang out again!

"Pavilion Master Qin, I bid one million silver coins!" Jiang Hao did not hesitate to jump the bid from five hundred thousand to one million.

Jiang Hao had already made up his mind to offer another Heavenly Spirit Fruit if necessary to secure this three-seal spirit array diagram. If one million silver coins were not enough, he would not hesitate to raise the price further until it was his.

It seemed that only by securing these spells and spirit arrays could Jiang Hao feel a sense of security. To him, the most important thing right now was survival; only by staying alive could he return to the Central Plains for his revenge!

As Jiang Hao's words faded, the auction hall fell into a dead silence. It seemed no one had expected someone to dare double the price so abruptly. The previous bids now seemed insignificant. For a moment, the crowd exchanged glances, none daring to raise the bid further. After all, this young man was someone even the Prince had shown restraint toward.

"I bet this young master must be royalty!"

"Perhaps he is even..."

"Be careful what you say! If that reaches the Queen's ears, you'll lose your head!"

Before long, people began to whisper, and Jiang Hao's identity became increasingly mysterious.

"Is this brat out of his mind? Since when has the Southern Xia Kingdom produced someone so foolish yet so wealthy?" Murong Hai could not believe that the three-seal spirit array diagram had fetched such a high price.

"Your Highness, this person seems quite unusual. He carries the murderous aura of one who has been through many battles. You should remain cautious," the middle-aged man advised, feeling an underlying sense of unease as he stared at Jiang Hao.

"Uncle Han, you are overthinking it. This brat has only just broken through to the early Spirit Spring Realm; he is hardly worth mentioning. Besides, with you here, who in this little Yongan City could pose a threat to me?" Murong Hai replied dismissively.

"Sigh!" The middle-aged man let out a soft sigh and said no more.

Murong Hai then turned to Ge Tianlang and signaled, "After the auction ends, you know how to handle this, right?"

Seeing this, Ge Tianlang bowed and scraped, "I understand, Your Highness! Rest assured, I will personally deliver the spell and the spirit array diagram to your hands."

"Excellent, excellent! Hahaha!" Murong Hai laughed with satisfaction.

Ge Tianlang whispered a few words into Yang Dahu's ear, then led his men in a hurried departure from the auction hall, moving quickly toward the entrance leading to the first-floor lobby.

On the other side, seeing that no one else was bidding, Jiang Hao urged Qin Yumei, "Pavilion Master Qin, since no one else is bidding, may I ask you to announce the result?"

"Very well!" Qin Yumei nodded gently and smiled charmingly, "Ladies and gentlemen, I solemnly announce that the final winner of this spirit array diagram is this promising young master!"

"I now formally declare this auction closed! Will the successful bidders please proceed to the transaction area in the first-floor lobby after the session."

Following Qin Yumei's announcement, the auction hall became a surging sea of people, with noise rising and falling as joy and disappointment intertwined.

"It seems I need to find Sister Xiaotao," Jiang Hao thought, watching Qin Yumei leave the stage.

At the same time, a malicious and venomous gaze swept toward Jiang Hao.

"Brat, the moment you step out of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion will be your end!"